Can anyone give advice regarding the smallest practical outboard for a '94 Hunter 26? I may replace my 9.9 HP, 2-stroke with a 4-stroke at some time in the future and would like to go as small as practical without being under powered in a blow.
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Rick Webb
Formula
I saw a formula not long ago to figure that information out it was: Displacement/1,000 X 2 = 10 (for your boat). A 9.9 would probably be fine or possibly an 8 but I do not think I would go any smaller than that.
I saw a formula not long ago to figure that information out it was: Displacement/1,000 X 2 = 10 (for your boat). A 9.9 would probably be fine or possibly an 8 but I do not think I would go any smaller than that.
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Ray Bowles
My 9.9 Honda 4 stroke is the only one I would
recommend to anyone. We have some very nasty winds on the Columbia River. On a fairly frequent basis we have waves to 4 feet in some tight channels. This size motor is perfect on our 95 H26. They also have charging systems built-in for the battery. Ray S/V Speedy
recommend to anyone. We have some very nasty winds on the Columbia River. On a fairly frequent basis we have waves to 4 feet in some tight channels. This size motor is perfect on our 95 H26. They also have charging systems built-in for the battery. Ray S/V Speedy
Would not suggest you try the smallest possible.
Neil: Given the winds on Lake Michigan, I think I'd opt for are larger not smaller engine. I can tell you that when condiitions are good a 2hp engine will move a 35 ft. boat. When things are bad the same boat will have a hard time with the 27hp engine that it has. I really cannot imagine anything smaller than a 8hp on Lake Michigan and think that a 9.9 would be better.
Neil: Given the winds on Lake Michigan, I think I'd opt for are larger not smaller engine. I can tell you that when condiitions are good a 2hp engine will move a 35 ft. boat. When things are bad the same boat will have a hard time with the 27hp engine that it has. I really cannot imagine anything smaller than a 8hp on Lake Michigan and think that a 9.9 would be better.
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David R. King
h 26 Outboard size
I have had an 8hp Honda on my h26 for about a year now. I don't think I would need anything more powerful. I usually sail in mild sea conditions here in the Bay of Banderas and winds no stronger than 20 knots. David King
I have had an 8hp Honda on my h26 for about a year now. I don't think I would need anything more powerful. I usually sail in mild sea conditions here in the Bay of Banderas and winds no stronger than 20 knots. David King
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Gus Elia
Smallest is not good
To make a long story short, I got stuck in a squall line on the Mississippi this summer. The winds approached 80 MPH. My anemometer pegged out. My 8 HP Tohatsu was totally useless trying to turn the boat into the wind. 50 HP might have done it but impractical. Going on a run would have driven me into the nearby shore. The only choice was taking the wind on the beam with a 50 degree heel. I was being pushed steadily towards the rocky shore. The only use of the engine at the time was to try and position myself at the best location I could find along the rocky shore. The Powers Above drove me to the only log around which protected my hull from the constant pounding until the storm let up. This was an extreme situation and it was over in 15 minutes but often the wind will build to 25 and the 8 HP motor puts me in a precarious situation for steering where I want to go. Usually lowering the centerboard and opening up the throttle will get me to go where I want to. In normal conditions the 8HP Tohatsu has been a great engine. Less that that would be the same as flying an underpowered airplane or driving an underpowered car.
To make a long story short, I got stuck in a squall line on the Mississippi this summer. The winds approached 80 MPH. My anemometer pegged out. My 8 HP Tohatsu was totally useless trying to turn the boat into the wind. 50 HP might have done it but impractical. Going on a run would have driven me into the nearby shore. The only choice was taking the wind on the beam with a 50 degree heel. I was being pushed steadily towards the rocky shore. The only use of the engine at the time was to try and position myself at the best location I could find along the rocky shore. The Powers Above drove me to the only log around which protected my hull from the constant pounding until the storm let up. This was an extreme situation and it was over in 15 minutes but often the wind will build to 25 and the 8 HP motor puts me in a precarious situation for steering where I want to go. Usually lowering the centerboard and opening up the throttle will get me to go where I want to. In normal conditions the 8HP Tohatsu has been a great engine. Less that that would be the same as flying an underpowered airplane or driving an underpowered car.
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Frank / MD / H260
Picking an outboard...
I agree with Ray. I have H260, with a Honda 9.9. It gets great mileage and pushes the boat very well. I consider it the most valuable piece of safety equipment I have on board, and it "has" saved our butts more then once. In this case, less is not better.
I agree with Ray. I have H260, with a Honda 9.9. It gets great mileage and pushes the boat very well. I consider it the most valuable piece of safety equipment I have on board, and it "has" saved our butts more then once. In this case, less is not better.
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Steve
15 HP
We run a 15HP becuase the weight and size of the 9.9 was the same. I'm glad we did! We sail as much as anyone, but when the going gets rough or the going has to be there when the winds are gone..well --we get there at 6.8 knots, plus charge the battery a long the way!
We run a 15HP becuase the weight and size of the 9.9 was the same. I'm glad we did! We sail as much as anyone, but when the going gets rough or the going has to be there when the winds are gone..well --we get there at 6.8 knots, plus charge the battery a long the way!
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Rob Mitchell
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Toomas
Get power as an insurance
I have a 6hp today and it's not enough power when you meet some tough weather. Turning the H26 in strong wind takes power - I experienced that this summer. Had to give up and stay behind an island and wait for the wind and the sea to come down to "normal". If I get a decent offer for a 9.9 I'll definitely power up.
I have a 6hp today and it's not enough power when you meet some tough weather. Turning the H26 in strong wind takes power - I experienced that this summer. Had to give up and stay behind an island and wait for the wind and the sea to come down to "normal". If I get a decent offer for a 9.9 I'll definitely power up.
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Neil King
Thank you, all.
It looks like the Honda 9.9 4-stroke has the most devoted following. I'll probably go that way when I'm ready to replace the 2-stroke.
It looks like the Honda 9.9 4-stroke has the most devoted following. I'll probably go that way when I'm ready to replace the 2-stroke.
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